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Can SolidWorks, Inventor or Fusion 360 files be used?

Yes, indirectly. Native files from SolidWorks (.sldprt), Inventor (.ipt) and Fusion 360 export to STEP (.step or .stp). All three packages support that in one click. STEP is the universal exchange format for mechanical CAD. We see your geometry exactly, can make design tweaks during the DfAM check and optimise for SLS.

STEP AP242 Recommended export
STL Alternative
3 clicks Export workflow
200 MB Upload size
All CAD packages Support STEP

How to export per CAD package

SolidWorks – File > Save As > Save As Type: STEP AP242 > Save. For assemblies with sub-parts: External References to combine all sub-parts into one STEP.

Inventor – File > Export > CAD Format > STEP. Choose AP242 or AP214 (AP214 is more widely supported on older systems).

Fusion 360 – File > Export > Type: STEP (.step) > Export. Fusion always exports the full body or the selection.

For multi-body assemblies: export as a whole or split per component depending on what you want to print.

What to send with the file

For an instant quote the STEP with correctly oriented geometry is enough.

For larger or more complex orders we also recommend:

  • A 2D drawing (PDF) with critical dimensions and tolerances
  • A short function description (“this is a bracket that carries X kg in Y direction”)
  • Material preference if you have one

That context lets us aim the DfAM check better. For assemblies where not all parts need printing: mark clearly which ones.

What can go wrong on export

Open surfaces. Your design contains non-closed shells (e.g. a scanned mesh that is not water-tight). SLS print needs closed geometry. Fix in CAD or send us the file, we can close small gaps.

Wrong unit. Some STEP exports interpret mm as inch. Your part arrives 25x too big or too small. Always check dimensions after upload.

Internal overlaps. Assemblies where parts overlap cannot be printed “as one piece”. Fix overlaps in CAD before export.